Caste-Based Census: RJD Leader Targets Centre Over Response In SC, Says Bihar CM Needs To Decide

The RJD leader said that it is the Chief Minister who should decide whether to conduct the caste census separately in Bihar or put pressure on the Central government.

Patna: Amid the growing demands for conducting caste-based census in the country, the Union Government has said in the Supreme Court that it will not conduct the caste census and this is their well-thought decision.

The political temperatures in Bihar have soared following this move by the Union government. Former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav has cornered the BJP over the issue. On the other hand, other leaders of the party are also attacking the Centre. They are now eyeing the response of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. 

RJD leader Rambali Singh said, "BJP does not want a caste census to take place. We already knew this. But Nitish Kumar had high hopes and the resolution was passed by the House twice. Under the influence of the leader of the opposition, a full delegation along with the Chief Minister met the Prime Minister to discuss the issue and he had also given assurance".

"But the affidavit given by the government yesterday has made it clear that BJP does not want caste census. In reality, caste census and reservation complement each other. This shows that the present Union government is anti-reservation," he alleged.

Will prepare another strategy: Rambali Singh

Rambali Singh said that only one column needs to be added for the caste census. "Only one column was required to be added in the 26-27 columns, which would incur no expense. Nitish Kumar now has to decide whether he considers it as his answer or not. If Nitish Kumar says Centre is not ready, we will chalk out another strategy for it. The Chief Minister took us into confidence and approached the Union government and now since his party is in power he has to decide on what needs to be now," the RJD leader said.

He stressed that it is the Chief Minister who should decide whether to conduct the caste census separately in Bihar or put pressure on the Union government or withdraw support from the Centre.

JDU's Response

Reacting to the Union government's move, JDU spokesperson Nikhil Mandal said the Union government should respect the public sentiment. The supreme court's decision in the case will be awaited.

He said that the Bihar government will then decide its next move. He added: "The stand of the Union government is not yet clear and we have placed our points before the Centre. Unless a decision is taken from there, no decision will be taken by the Bihar Government. We hope that this happens through the Union government. If not, then there are a lot of provisions, the Chief Minister will think about what needs to be done".